CHELSEA have reached a verbal agreement to sign Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, 25.

Manchester United have made a big offer for Southampton star Luke Shaw, as they look to pip Premier League rivals Chelsea to the 18-year-old defender’s signature.

Manchester United are planning up to five more signings of the same calibre as £37.1m club record capture Juan Mata as manager David Moyes instigates an overhaul of the current squad.

Liverpool have targeted Benfica midfielder Andre Gomes and the Portuguese club want £12.4m for the 20-year-old.

There is fresh doubt over Tom Ince’s Blackpool future after the 21-year-old winger was left out of caretaker manager Barry Ferguson’s first squad.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has insisted Peter Crouch is not for sale, amid reports linking the 32-year-old striker with a move back to former club Queens Park Rangers.

Alberto Gilardino has disappointed West Ham and Sunderland by pledging his future to Italian side Genoa. The 31-year-old striker has his sights set on scoring 200 Serie A goals.

Manchester City are offering Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi a stunning £8million to sign.

Loic Remy has so far snubbed the chance to join Newcastle permanently.

Nigeria midfielder Gabriel Reuben has snubbed Spurs to sign for Belgian side Waasland-Beveren.

Aston Villa could revive their interest in Charlton midfielder Dale Stephens.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is closing in on Inter Milan striker Ishak Belfodil.

Millwall and Brighton will do battle for MK Dons’ £250,000-rated Shaun Williams.

Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby is wanted by PSV Eindhoven.

Swansea have made a shock bid for Norwich’s England Under-21 winger Nathan Redmond.

Mario Balotelli has revealed that he is no longer at war with Jose Mourinho – and has opened up the possibility of a sensational return to the Premier League with Chelsea.

Fulham have made a shock bid for Sunderland’s Capital One Cup semi-final hero Phil Bardsley - and he is keen on a move to London.